IF4 Screening in Fairbanks 2025: An Annual Evening of Fishing Fun & Community
by Nate Kibby
The International Fly-Fishing Film Fest (IF4) was a great gathering of angling enthusiasts. Around forty people gathered at the University of Alaska (UAF) Pub to watch a fantastic set of films. The first short film covered the story of a deaf saltwater guide who displays his fantastic fishing abilities and creative communication techniques. That story was a personal favorite and uncovered an unknown desire in me to chase Permit in Mexico. The PUB at UAF is a neat location to hold such events, and we are grateful for them opening up on a non-standard day.
Other Topics covered included the cutthroat trout slam in Utah, a historic fishing lodge in Costa Rica, trophy Tarpon, and high mountain angling. The films got the crowd fired up for the oncoming breakup season that will soon give way to the opportunity to fish flowing streams and rivers. Ice fishing is a wonderful, but after the long winter in interior Alaska, the excitement for post breakup fishing is palpable. Although its likely that Permit fish and Tarpon will not be readily available to audience members, our salmon, trout, and grayling opportunities are right around the corner.
Not only did we watch some fishing films, but there were some helpful raffle items to assist in our ever-present drive to catch a lunker. A local fishing guide, Max Stepp, with Stepp’s Guided adventures donated a trip to the Delta Clearwater River. He will take the winner down to a highly regarded river and show him some tips and tricks to catch the trophy size grayling. Some of the other raffle prizes included both fishing and camping gear which were generously donated by Big Rays. A local fly maker donated some really neat lures that will hopefully help some of the attendees have a more successful season. I want to give a huge thanks to everyone who donated items or helped make this event happen. I hope to see everyone in the fall for the next one.
About Nate Kibbey